Image acquisition system and image acquisition method

ABSTRACT

An image acquisition system includes a cassette mounting unit that holds slide glasses in a plurality of stages, a cassette having an identification code imparted thereto being mounted in the cassette mounting unit, an identification code reading unit that reads an identification code from the cassette, an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a sample held on the slide glass, and a control computer that associates the image data with cassette identification information included in the identification code read by the identification code reading unit, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes a notch portion that exposes a bar code imparted to the cassette, and the identification code reading unit includes an imaging unit that images the identification code exposed from the notch portion in a reading position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an image acquisition system and animage acquisition method.

BACKGROUND ART

An example of this type of image acquisition device includes an imageacquisition device described in Patent Literature 1. This imageacquisition device includes a macro image acquisition device thatacquires a macro image of a sample, and a micro image acquisition devicethat acquires a micro image of the sample. The macro image acquisitiondevice acquires a macro image of a sample on a slide glass, and sets ascan range, focus acquisition information, and the like for acquiring amicro image on the basis of the acquired macro image. The micro imageacquisition device includes an objective lens with a high magnification.The micro image acquisition device acquires a high magnification (highresolution) image of the sample on the slide glass using the highmagnification objective lens on the basis of scanning conditions set onthe basis of the macro image.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.2013-127578

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In an image acquisition device, rescanning may be executed withdifferent scanning conditions for a sample of which image acquisitionhas already been performed, according to, for example, observationresults of the sample. In this case, checking the scanning conditions atthe time of a previous image acquisition and image data acquired usingthe scanning conditions together is useful for observation of thesample.

However, in an image acquisition device of the related art, it is commonto store scanning conditions in units of jobs, that is, using all of setslide glasses as one unit. Therefore, it is necessary to re-prepare allthe slide glasses in order to execute rescanning, and storage work orre-preparation work for the slide glasses has been complicated.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-describedproblems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an imageacquisition system and an image acquisition method capable ofsimplifying storage work or re-preparation work for slide glasses.

Solution to Problem

An image acquisition system according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure is an image acquisition system for acquiring an image ofsamples held on slide glasses, the image acquisition system including: acassette mounting unit in which a cassette is detachably mounted, thecassette holding in a plurality of stages in a predetermined arrangementdirection and having an identification code imparted thereto; a readingunit that reads the identification code from the cassette sent to areading position by the cassette mounting unit; an image acquisitionunit that acquires image data of the sample held on the slide glass inthe cassette; and a control unit that associates the image data acquiredby the image acquisition unit with cassette identification informationincluded in the identification code read by the reading unit, whereinthe cassette mounting unit includes an exposure portion that exposes theidentification code imparted to the cassette, and the reading unitincludes an imaging unit that images the identification code exposedfrom the exposure portion in the reading position.

In this image acquisition system, the image data acquired by the imageacquisition unit is associated with the cassette identificationinformation. Thus, by associating the image data in units of cassettes,the slide glass linked to the cassette becomes clear. Therefore, it ispossible to simplify storage work or re-preparation work for the slideglass, as compared with a case in which the image data of the slideglass is managed in units of jobs. Further, in the image acquisitionsystem, the imaging unit images the identification code exposed from theexposure portion of the cassette mounting unit in the reading position.Accordingly, it is also possible to achieve simplification of a deviceconfiguration necessary for reading of the identification code.

Further, the cassette mounting unit may include a rotation drumincluding a bottom plate, a top plate, and a cassette holding plate thatis radially disposed between the bottom plate and the top plate andforms a holding space of the cassette in a circumferential direction,and the exposure portion may be configured by a notch portion providedin the top plate according to a position in the holding space. In thiscase, it is possible to image the identification code exposed from thenotch portion of the rotation drum using the imaging unit without anincrease in a size of the rotation drum.

Further, the image acquisition system may further include a slide glassdetection unit that detects at least one of a holding position and aholding state of the slide glass in the cassette mounted in the cassettemounting unit, wherein the reading position of the reading unit and adetection position of the slide glass detection unit may be the samepositions. In this case, it is possible to simplify control of sendingof the cassette mounted in the cassette mounting unit.

Further, the image acquisition system may include an identification cardto which the identification code has been imparted, wherein anattachment unit to which the identification card is detachably attachedis provided in the cassette. By storing the slide glass and theidentification card of which the image acquisition has ended togetherthrough introduction of the identification card, it is possible tofurther simplify storage work or re-preparation work for the slideglass. Further, by replacing the identification card, the sameidentification code can be simply imparted to a different cassette.

Further, the identification code may be at least one of a bar code and atwo-dimensional code. In this case, it is possible to perform managementof cassette identification information more easily.

Further, the control unit may associate scanning conditions when theimage acquisition unit acquires the image data of the sample with thecassette identification information. Thus, it is possible to simply callpast scanning conditions when re-scanning of the slide glass isexecuted.

Further, the image acquisition system may further include a storage unitthat stores the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit; and abrowsing unit that reads and displays the image data stored in thestorage unit, wherein the control unit may associate browsing historyinformation indicating a browsing history via the browsing unit with thecassette identification information. In this case, it is possible tosuitably prevent browsing of the stored image data from being omitted.

Further, the control unit may associate acquisition sourceidentification information for identifying an acquisition source of thesample with the cassette identification information. In this case, it ispossible to suitably prevent sample misunderstanding from occurring.

Further, the control unit may store management information indicating anexecution order of image acquisition for each cassette in associationwith the cassette identification information. In this case, it ispossible to perform scan execution management of the slide glass using acommon image acquisition unit.

Further, an image acquiring method according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure is an image acquisition method for acquiring an image ofsamples held on slide glasses, the image acquisition method including: amounting step of mounting a cassette in a cassette mounting unit, thecassette holding the slide glasses in a plurality of stages in apredetermined arrangement direction and having an identification codeimparted thereto; a reading step of reading the identification code fromthe cassette sent to a reading position by the cassette mounting unit;an image acquisition step of acquiring image data of the sample held onthe slide glass in the cassette; and an association step of associatingthe image data acquired in the image acquisition step with cassetteidentification information included in the identification code read inthe reading step, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes anexposure portion that exposes the identification code imparted to thecassette, and the reading step includes imaging the identification codeexposed from the exposure portion in the reading position.

In this image acquisition method, the image data acquired in the imageacquisition step is associated with the cassette identificationinformation. Thus, by associating the image data in units of cassettes,the slide glass linked to the cassette becomes clear. Therefore, it ispossible to simplify storage work or re-preparation work for the slideglass, as compared with a case in which the image data of the slideglass is managed in units of jobs. Further, in the image acquisitionmethod, the identification code exposed from the exposure portion of thecassette mounting unit is imaged in the reading position. Accordingly,it is also possible to achieve simplification of a device configurationnecessary for reading of the identification code.

The association step may include associating scanning conditions whenthe image data of the sample has been acquired in the image acquisitionstep with the cassette identification information. Thus, it is possibleto simply call past scanning conditions when re-scanning of the slideglass is executed.

Further, the method may further include a storage step of storing theimage data acquired in the image acquisition step; and a browsing stepof browsing the image data stored in the storage step, wherein theassociation step may include associating browsing history informationindicating a browsing history in the browsing step with the cassetteidentification information. In this case, it is possible to suitablyprevent browsing of the stored image data from being omitted.

Further, the association step may include associating acquisition sourceidentification information for identifying an acquisition source of thesample with the cassette identification information. In this case, it ispossible to suitably prevent sample misunderstanding from occurring.

Further, the association step may include associating managementinformation indicating an execution order of image acquisition for eachcassette with the cassette identification information. In this case, itis possible to perform scan execution management of the slide glassusing a common image acquisition unit.

Further, at least one of a bar code and a two-dimensional code may beused as the identification code. Accordingly, it is possible to performmanagement of the cassette identification information easily.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to simplify storagework or re-preparation work for the slide glass.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment ofan image acquisition system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the imageacquisition device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cassette thatholds a slide glass from the front surface side.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the cassette illustrated inFIG. 3 from the back surface side.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an example of an identification card.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example of a cassette mountingunit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an identificationcode reading unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of animage acquisition system at the time of mounting a cassette.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of management information.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operationsubsequent to FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of scanning conditions.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of browsing managementinformation.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of theimage acquisition system at the time of re-mounting of the cassette.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image acquisition system and animage acquisition method according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment ofan image acquisition system. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an imageacquisition system 1 includes an image acquisition device 11, a controlcomputer (a control unit) 12 that controls an operation of the imageacquisition device 11 and performs association of various types ofinformation, one or a plurality of operation computers 13 that is usedfor operation of the image acquisition device 11, and a data server (astorage unit) 14 that stores various pieces of data that is used in theimage acquisition system 1. The image acquisition system 1 is a systemin which the image acquisition device 11 is remotely operated usingoperation computers 13 at different installation places, a virtual slideimage of a sample such as a biological sample is acquired by the imageacquisition device 11, and observation of the sample based on thevirtual slide image can be performed at various facilities.

The control computer 12 and the operation computers 13 are physically acomputer system that includes a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and aprocessor (an arithmetic circuit) such as a CPU. The control computer 12and the operation computer 13 are, for example, a personal computer, asmart device, a microcomputer, or a cloud server. Further, a displaydevice such as a display, an input device such as a keyboard and amouse, and the like are connected to the control computer 12 and theoperation computer 13. Further, the display device and the input devicemay be a touch screen or a smart device.

The image acquisition device 11 and the control computer 12 areinstalled, for example, in the same room in a facility and are connectedby a cable or wirelessly so that the image acquisition device 11 and thecontrol computer 12 can communicate information with each other. Thedata server 14 is installed, for example, in a data center differentfrom the facility in which the image acquisition device 11 and thecontrol computer 12 are installed, and is connected to the controlcomputer 12 via the network N so that the data server 14 can communicateinformation with the control computer 12. The operation computer 13 isinstalled, for example, in an arbitrary facility, and is connected tothe data server 14 via the network N so that the operation computer 13can communicate information with the data server 14. It should be notedthat the image acquisition device 11 and the control computer 12 may beinstalled in separate facilities or separate rooms. Further, the dataserver 14 may be installed in the same facility as the control computer12.

The control computer 12 and the operation computer 13 receive an inputsuch as scanning conditions for a sample in the image acquisition device11 from a user, and controls an operation of the image acquisitiondevice 11 on the basis of the input condition.

Further, the control computer 12 transmits various pieces of data suchas image data acquired by the image acquisition device 11 to the dataserver 14. The control computer 12 associates the image data acquired bythe image acquisition device 11 with various types of information. Thecontrol computer 12 or the operation computer 13 constitutes a browsingunit in the present disclosure. That is, the control computer 12 or theoperation computer 13 has a browsing function of displaying a virtualslide image acquired by the image acquisition device 11 on a display byreferring to various pieces of data stored in the data server 14. Anoperation of the image acquisition system 1 will be described below.

Next, the image acquisition device 11 will be described. FIG. 2 is ablock diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image acquisition device.As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image acquisition device 11 includes acassette mounting unit 21, a slide glass removal unit 22, a slide glassconveyance unit 23, an image acquisition unit 24, and an imageprocessing unit 25. Further, for the cassette mounting unit 21, acassette mounting detection unit 31, an identification code reading unit(a reading unit) 32, and a slide glass detection unit 33 are provided.Further, the image acquisition device 11 further includes an operationcontrol unit 34 that controls an operation of each of these componentson the basis of control from the control computer 12 or the operationcomputer 13.

The cassette mounting unit 21 is a cassette holder in which a cassette41 holding a plurality of slide glasses is detachably mounted. Asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cassette 41 includes a casing 42 madeof a resin having a vertically long, substantially rectangularparallelepiped shape. Holding plates 43 and 43 that overhang toward theinner side of the casing 42 are provided on a pair of inner side wallsof the casing 42, respectively. By placing the slide glass G on theholding plates 43 and 43, the slide glass G is held in parallel with abottom surface 44 of the casing 42.

In the cassette 41 of the embodiment, 30 stages of holding plates 43 and43 are provided in a height direction of the cassette 41, and 30 slideglasses G can he held at one time. Further, in the embodiment, apartition plate 45 is disposed every 10 stages, and a holding intervalof the slide glasses G in a disposition position of the partition plate45 is wider than other positions. Accordingly, the holding position ofthe slide glass G can be visually ascertained with ease.

One holding plate 43 and the other holding plate 43 are spaced from eachother at a central portion of the casing 42. Further, the one holdingplate 43 includes a projection portion 46 that projects to the frontsurface side of the casing 42, and a claw portion 47 that is provided atthe tip of the projection portion 46. A width of the projection portion46 is narrowed toward the front surface side of the casing 42, and theclaw portion 47 is provided upwardly at the tip of the taperedprojection portion 46. With such a configuration, in a state in whichthe slide glass G is mounted on the holding plates 43 and 43, a bottomsurface of the slide glass G (particularly, the vicinity of a cornerportion) is exposed from the holding plates 43 and 43 with a sufficientarea. Therefore, the slide glass G can be easily removed from theholding plates 43 and 43 with a finger.

A placement unit (an attachment unit) 49 in which an identification cardC is placed is provided in a top surface 48 of the cassette 41. Theplacement unit 49 has a plurality of claws 50 provided at an edge of thetop surface 48. Side surfaces of the identification card C placed in theplacement unit 49 are held by the claws 50. Further, a recessed portion51 is provided with a constant width over the entirety in a widthdirection of the top surface 48 in a central portion of the top surface48. Since a central portion of the identification card C floats from theplacement unit 49 due to the recessed portion 51, the identificationcard C can be easily removed from the placement unit 49 with a finger.

The identification card C is, for example, a plate-like member made ofplastic. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a bar code (an identification code) Bincluding identification information for identifying the cassette 41(hereinafter referred to as cassette identification information) as acharacter string is imparted to an edge on one surface side of theidentification card C. In the embodiment, a planar shape of theidentification card C is a rectangular shape having a length dimensiongreater than that of the slide glass G. Accordingly, when theidentification card C is stored together with a bundle of slide glassesG, an edge portion of the identification card C protrudes beyond an edgeportion of the slide glass G, and thus, detection of the identificationcard C, which is a target, is facilitated. It should be noted that theplanar shape of the identification card C may be a rectangular shapehaving a width dimension greater than that of the slide glass G.

The bar code B may be directly printed on the identification card C or aseal on which the bar code B has been printed may be pasted to theidentification card C. A two-dimensional code (an identification code) Dsuch as a QR code (registered trademark) may be imparted to one surfaceside of the identification card C, and a writing space F in whichwriting characters or the like can be freely performed may be providedin one surface side of the identification card C. A position ofdisposition of the bar code B, the two-dimensional code D, and thewriting space F on the one surface side of the identification card C maybe any position.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 4, an opening 53 is provided at acentral portion of a back surface 52 of the cassette 41. The opening 53corresponds to a holding area of the slide glass G by the holding plates43 and 43 and extends with a constant width in the height direction ofthe cassette 41. Therefore, in an area in which the opening 53 isprovided, it is possible to see the back surface side of the cassette 41from the front surface side through the opening 53. Further, on the backsurface 52 of the cassette 41, metal plates 54 that are used formounting of the cassette 41 in the cassette mounting unit 21 areprovided at positions below the opening 53 and above the opening 53,respectively. The metal plates 54 have, for example, a strip shapehaving a length substantially equal to a width of an internal space ofthe cassette 41 and is fixed to the casing 42 by a fastening means suchas a screw.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating an example of the cassette mountingunit 21. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cassette mounting unit 21includes a rotation drum 61 in which a plurality of cassette 41 can bemounted, in a frame K. The rotation drum 61 includes a bottom plate 62,a top plate 63, and a plurality of cassette holding plates 64 disposedbetween the bottom plate 62 and the top plate 63. A strut 65 is providedat a central portion of the rotation drum 61. The strut 65 are passedthrough openings respectively provided in a central portion of thebottom plate 62 and a central portion of the top plate 63, and serves asa fixed shaft (a non-rotating shaft). The strut 65 may be either acylinder or a prism.

The cassette holding plates 64 are radially disposed with a constantphase angle around a central axis of the rotation drum 61. A spacebetween the adjacent cassette holding plates 64 and 43 serves as aholding space S of the cassette 41 described above. In the embodiment,twelve holding spaces S are provided in a circumferential direction ofthe rotation drum 61. Since the cassette holding plates 64 are radiallydisposed, the holding space S is narrowed toward the back side from theouter circumferential side of the rotation drum 61. Further, endportions of the adjacent cassette holding plates 64 are spaced atconstant intervals on the back side of the holding space S. Accordingly,a peripheral surface or a side surface of the strut 65 on a back side ofthe holding space S can be seen from the front surface side of therotation drum 61.

Magnets 66 are provided at positions on the back side of the holdingspaces S on the bottom plate 62 and the top plate 63, respectively. Byinserting the cassette 41 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) into the holding space Sin a state in which the back surface side is directed to the back side,the upper and lower metal plates 54 on the back surface side of thecassette 41 are coupled to the upper and lower magnets 66 of the holdingspace S by a magnetic force. Thus, the cassette 41 is detachably held onthe rotation drum 61. Accordingly, the cassette 41 is detachably held onthe rotation drum 61. It should be noted that the magnet 66 may beprovided on at least one of the bottom plate 62 or the top plate 63. Inthis case, a metal plate 54 may be provided on the back surface side ofthe cassette 41 to correspond to a position of the magnet 66.

An actuator that rotates the rotation drum 61 in one direction (forexample, clockwise) around the central axis is provided at a portionunder the bottom plate 62. In the rotation drum 61 of the embodiment, amounting position M1 of the cassette 41 is set so that the cassette 41is directed to the front surface side of the image acquisition device11. In the example of FIG. 6, in the mounting position M1, three holdingspaces S can be accessed from a window of the frame K, and threecassettes 41 can be mounted on the rotation drum 61 at one time. Thecassettes 41 held in the holding space S are sequentially sent from themounting position Ml to a reading position M2 in which various readingsand detections are performed and a removal position M3 in which theslide glass G in the cassette 41 is taken out and sent to the imageacquisition unit 24, by rotation of the rotation drum 61.

Further, the top plate 63 includes a plurality of holding pieces 67 thatextend radially from the center side and hold upper ends of the cassetteholding plates 64. A notch portion 68 (an exposure portion)corresponding to a planar shape of the holding space S is providedbetween the holding pieces 67 and 67. The top surface 48 (that is, theplacement unit 49 of the identification card C) of the cassette 41 heldin the holding space S can be seen through the top plate 63 by the notchportion 68.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the cassette mounting detection unit 31detects a mounting state of the cassette 41 on the rotation drum 61. Thecassette mounting detection unit 31 includes, for example, a distancesensor 69 that detects a distance from the cassette 41 held in theholding space S to the strut 65, and determines whether or not themounting state of the cassette 41 is good on the basis of a detectionresult of the distance sensor 69.

The identification code reading unit 32 reads at least one of the barcode B and the two-dimensional code D imparted to the identificationcard C. The identification code reading unit 32 is, for example, anidentification code reader disposed near the rotation drum 61. Theidentification code reading unit 32 reads at least one of the bar code Band the two-dimensional code D from the identification card C placed onthe placement unit 49 of the cassette 41 in the reading position M2. Theidentification code reading unit 32 outputs cassette identificationinformation included in the read bar code B or two-dimensional code D tothe control computer 12.

The slide glass detection unit 33 detects at least one of the holdingposition and the holding state of the slide glass G in the cassette 41.For example, the slide glass detection unit 33 includes a photoelectricsensor 71 disposed outside the rotation drum 61, and detects the holdingposition or the holding state of the slide glass G in the cassette 41sent to the detection position by the rotation of the rotation drum 61.The photoelectric sensor 71 is also referred to as a beam sensor, aphotoelectric sensor, or a laser sensor. The slide glass detection unit33 outputs holding information indicating the detected holding positionor holding state to the slide glass removal unit 22. The slide glassdetection unit 33 may perform reporting using a reporting means whenthere is an abnormality in the detected holding position or holdingstate.

The slide glass removal unit 22 removes the slide glass G from thecassette 41 held by the rotation drum 61. The slide glass removal unit22 includes a removal means such as a conveyance hand, and sequentiallyremoves the slide glasses G from the cassette 41 in the removal positionM3 and delivers the slide glasses G to the slide glass conveyance unit23. Further, the slide glass removal unit 22 receives the slide glassesG for which the image acquisition of the image acquisition unit 24 hasbeen completed from the slide glass conveyance unit 23 and causes theslide glasses G to return to original holding positions in the cassette41.

Driving of the conveyance hand by the slide glass removal unit 22 iscontrolled on the basis of the holding information that is output fromthe slide glass detection unit 33. For example, the slide glass removalunit 22 may extract only the slide glass G of which the holding positionor the holding state has been detected as being normal using theconveyance hand, and skip the extraction of the slide glass G of whichthe holding position or the holding state has been detected as beingabnormal.

The slide glass conveyance unit 23 conveys the slide glass G receivedfrom the slide glass removal unit 22 toward the image acquisition unit24. Further, the slide glass conveyance unit 23 conveys the slide glassG between a macro image acquisition position and a micro imageacquisition position of the image acquisition unit 24. The slide glassconveyance unit 23 delivers the slide glass G for which the imageacquisition unit 24 has completed image acquisition, to the slide glassremoval unit 22.

The image acquisition unit 24 images a sample held on the slide glass Gand acquires an image of the sample. The image acquisition unit 24includes, for example, a macro image acquisition device and a microimage acquisition device. The macro image acquisition device acquires amacro image of the slide glass G conveyed to the macro image acquisitionposition by the slide glass conveyance unit 23 using an imaging devicefor macro image acquisition. The macro image acquisition device sets anacquisition range (a scan range) of the micro image, a focus measurementposition, and the like on the basis of the acquired macro image.

The micro image acquisition device acquires a micro image of the slideglass G conveyed to the micro image acquisition position by the slideglass conveyance unit 23, using an imaging device for micro imageacquisition. The micro image acquisition device creates a focus map ofthe sample on the basis of the scan range and the focus measurementposition set by the macro image acquisition device, using an objectivelens with a high magnification of, for example, 40×, 80×, or 100×. Themicro image acquisition device controls a height of the objective lenswith respect to the sample on the basis of the created focus map, andacquires a micro image in the scan range using the imaging device formicro image acquisition. The image acquisition unit 24 outputs data of amacro image acquired by the macro image acquisition device, data of amicro image acquired by the micro image acquisition device, data such asa scan range and a focus map to the image processing unit 25.

A scanning scheme in the micro image device may be a strobe scanningscheme using an area image sensor or may be a line scanning scheme usinga line scan sensor. Further, the scanning scheme may be a stop-and-goscheme in which movement, stop, and imaging of the slide glass arerepeatedly performed in the scan range.

The image processing unit 25 is a unit that processes the image acquiredby the image acquisition unit 24. The image processing unit 25 isconfigured of, for example, a computer system such as aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Applications SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), or a microcomputer. The image processing unit25 combines macro image data and micro image data received from theimage acquisition device 11 to generate a virtual slide image of thesample. The image processing unit 25 outputs the generated virtual slideimage to the control computer 12 together with data such as the scanningconditions. The control computer 12 associates data such as the virtualslide image and the scanning conditions with the cassette identificationinformation. The data such as the virtual slide images and the scanningconditions associated by the control computer 12 are stored in the dataserver 14.

Next, the identification code reading unit 32 described above will bedescribed in more detail.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the identificationcode reading unit As illustrated in FIG. 7, the identification codereading unit 32 includes an imaging unit 91 and an identification codeanalysis unit 92.

The imaging unit 91 images at least one of the bar code B and thetwo-dimensional code D imparted to the identification card C. Theimaging unit 91 is disposed above the rotation drum 61 in the cassettemounting unit 21 to correspond to, for example, the reading position M2.An imaging axis of the imaging unit 91 passes through the notch portion68 of the top plate 63 in the rotation drum 61 and is directed to theplacement unit 49 of the cassette 41 exposed from the notch portion 68(that is, the identification card C on the placement unit 49). Theimaging unit 91 acquires an image of one surface side of theidentification card C to which the bar code B and the two-dimensionalcode D have been imparted, and outputs image data to the identificationcode analysis unit 92.

The identification code analysis unit 92 analyzes the image datareceived from the imaging unit 91. The identification code analysis unit92 analyzes the cassette identification information included in the barcode B or the two-dimensional code D on the basis of the image data, andoutputs the cassette identification information to the control computer12. The cassette identification information is, for example, amulti-digit character string including alphabets or numbers. The controlcomputer 12 having received the cassette identification informationcontrols an operation of the rotation drum 61 via the operation controlunit 34 so that the cassette 41 identified by the cassetteidentification information is located at the removal position M3.

In the embodiment, as described above, detection of the holding positionor the holding state of the slide glass G in the cassette 41 by theslide glass detection unit 33 is also executed in the reading positionM2. The slide glass detection unit 33 includes, for example, aphotoelectric sensor, and detects the holding position or the holdingstate of the slide glass G in the cassette 41 on the basis of adetection result of the reflected light when scanning is performed withthe inspection light emitted from the photoelectric sensor in the heightdirection on the front surface side of the cassette 41. The slide glassdetection unit 33 outputs holding information indicating the detectionresult to the operation control unit 34.

Next, an operation of the image acquisition system 1 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of theimage acquisition system at the time of mounting a cassette. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, in the image acquisition system 1, first, thecassette 41 is mounted in the cassette mounting unit 21 of the imageacquisition device 11 (step S01: mounting step). In step S01, theidentification card C is held in the placement unit 49 of the cassette41 in advance. Then, in the image acquisition device 11, the cassettemounting detection unit 31 detects a mounting state of the cassette 41in the cassette mounting unit 21 (step S02: cassette detection step).

In step S02, when it is detected that the mounting state of the cassette41 is abnormal, the driving of the rotation drum 61 is prohibited, andthe mounting state of the cassette 41 being abnormal is reported to theoutside. On the other hand, when it is detected in step SO2 that themounting state of the cassette 41 is normal, the cassette 41 is sentfrom the mounting position Ml to the reading position M2 by driving ofthe rotation drum 61.

When the cassette 41 is sent to the reading position M2, the slide glassdetection unit 33 detects the holding position or the holding state ofthe slide glass G in the cassette 41 (step S03: slide detection step).When it is detected in step S03 that the holding position or the holdingstate of the slide glass G is abnormal, subsequent processes may bestopped, and slide glass removal (step S12) and acquisition of imagedata (step S13) to be described below may be skipped for the slide glassG detected to be abnormal.

Further, in the reading position M2, the identification code readingunit 32 reads a bar code B or a two-dimensional code D in theidentification card C held in the placement unit 49 of the cassette 41(step S04: reading step). The cassette identification informationincluded in the read bar code B or two-dimensional code D is transmittedto the control computer 12 (step S05). It should be noted that eitherthe reading of the bar code B or the two-dimensional code D or thedetection of the holding position or the holding state of the slideglass G may be executed first or may be executed simultaneously.

In the control computer 12 that has received the cassette identificationinformation, management information is updated (step 506: managementstep). The management information is information for managing anexecution order of image acquisition for each cassette 41 based on theinput of start instruction information (to be described below). In anexample of FIG. 9, the management information is configured byassociating the cassette identification information, the execution orderof image acquisition of the cassette 41 corresponding to the cassetteidentification information, and an execution situation of the imageacquisition of the cassette 41 corresponding to the cassetteidentification information. When the cassette identification informationis newly received, the control computer 12 performs addition of thecassette identification information, addition of the execution order,changing of the execution situation, or the like, and updates themanagement information. The updated management information istransmitted to the operation computer 13 via the data server 14 (stepS07) and displayed on a display device of the operation computer 13(step S08).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operationsubsequent to FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the operation computer13 on which the management information is displayed receives, forexample, an input of scanning conditions or the like from the user (stepS09: scanning conditions input step). In step S09, reception of an inputof the start instruction information for instructing start ofacquisition of image data by the image acquisition unit 24, and an inputof the cassette identification information of the cassette 41 holdingthe slide glass G, which is an acquisition target of the image data, areperformed, in addition to the input of the scanning conditions. Further,in step S09, an input of acquisition source identification informationfor identifying an acquisition source of a sample may be received.

The input scanning conditions or the like is transmitted from theoperation computer 13 to the control computer 12 together with the startinstruction information (step S10). In the control computer 12,association of the received scanning conditions, acquisition sourceidentification information, management information, and the like withthe cassette identification information is executed (step S11:association step). In the control computer 12 that has received thestart instruction information, control of the image acquisition device11 is executed on the basis of the scanning conditions, managementinformation, and the like (step S12). Specifically, first, the cassette41 specified on the basis of the cassette identification information issent from the reading position M2 to the removal position M3 by thedriving of the rotation drum 61.

In the removal position M3, removal of the slide glass G in the cassette41 is performed by the slide glass removal unit 22 (step S13). The slideglass G taken out is sent to the image acquisition device 11 by theslide glass conveyance unit 23. In the image acquisition device 11,acquisition of a macro image, and acquisition of a micro image based onthe input scanning conditions are executed, and a virtual slide image ofa sample is generated (step S14: image acquisition step). The slideglass G that has been scanned returns into the cassette 41 again by theslide glass removal unit 22 and the slide glass conveyance unit 23, andthe cassette 41 is sent from the removal position M3 to the mountingposition M1 by the drive of the rotation drum 61. The cassette 41 isremoved from the cassette mounting unit 21 in the mounting position M1(step S15).

Then, the cassette identification information of the cassette 41 removedfrom the cassette mounting unit 21 is transmitted from the imageacquisition device 11 to the control computer 12 (step S16). In stepS15, end information indicating that the acquisition of image data hasended may be transmitted to the data server 14 together with thecassette identification information. The control computer 12 updates themanagement information on the basis of the received cassetteidentification information and the received end information (step S17:management step).

Further, the image data of the virtual slide image generated by theimage acquisition device 11 in step S14 is output to the controlcomputer 12 (step S18), and the image data is associated with thecassette identification information. In this case, the image data may beassociated with the scanning conditions or the like at the time of imageacquisition together with the cassette identification information. Theimage data, the scanning conditions, the cassette identificationinformation, and the like associated with one another are transmittedfrom the control computer 12 to the data server 14 (step S19). The dataserver 14 stores the received image data, scanning conditions, cassetteidentification information, and the like in association with one another(step S20: storage step). In step S20, the acquisition sourceidentification information input in step S09 may be further associated.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 11, the cassette identificationinformation, the acquisition source identification information of thesample, and scanning conditions 1 to 3 to be used by the micro imageacquisition device are stored in the data server 14 in association withthe image data. In this example, the acquisition source identificationinformation of the sample is a patient ID for identifying a patient whois a provider of a biological sample. Further, scanning conditions 1 isa magnification of the objective lens, scanning conditions 2 is the scanrange, and scanning conditions 3 is the number of focal positionmeasurements.

Then, the image data and the cassette identification information aretransmitted from the data server 14 to the operation computer 13 (stepS21), and the image data is displayed on the display device of theoperation computer 13 (step S22). The operation computer 13 can browsethe image data of the sample of each slide glass G on the basis of theimage data. When the user executes browsing of the image data with theoperation computer 13, browsing information indicating that browsing hasbeen performed is generated for each slide glass G and transmitted fromthe operation computer 13 to the control computer 12 (step S23: browsingstep).

In the control computer 12 that has received the browsing information,browsing history information and the cassette identification informationare associated (step S24: associating step). The browsing historyinformation and the cassette identification information associated witheach other are transmitted from the control computer 12 to the dataserver 14 (step S25) and stored in the data server 14 (step S26). In theexample illustrated in FIG. 12, the cassette identification informationand the browsing information of the image data of each slide glass G areassociated with each other to constitute browsing history information.Browsing situation of the image data for each slide glass G is managedfor each cassette 41 on the basis of the browsing history information.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of theimage acquisition system at the time of re-mounting of the cassette.Although the processes of step S01 to step S26 described above areexecuted also in the case of re-mounting of the cassette, only a processthat occurs in the case of re-mounting of the cassette is illustrated inFIG. 13 in order to simplify the description.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, first, the cassette 41 is mounted in thecassette mounting unit 21 of the image acquisition device 11 again (stepS31). Then, the bar code B or the two-dimensional code D of theidentification card C is read by the identification code reading unit32, and the cassette identification information of the re-mountedcassette 41 is transmitted from the image acquisition device 11 to thecontrol computer 12. (step S32). The control computer 12 executesreading of the image data, the scanning conditions, and the like on thebasis of the received cassette identification information (step S33).The read image data, scanning conditions, and the like are transmittedto the operation computer 13 via the data server 14 (step S34).

In the operation computer 13, the received image data, scanningconditions, and the like are displayed on the display device (step S35).Accordingly, the user can browse the image data and the scanningconditions acquired in previous or subsequent image acquisitions withthe display device of the operation computer 13. Further, the controlcomputer 12 executes reading of the browsing history information on thebasis of the received cassette identification information (step S36).The read browsing history information is transmitted to the operationcomputer 13 via the data server 14 (step S37). In the operation computer13, the received browsing history information is displayed on thedisplay device (step S38). Accordingly, the user can ascertain abrowsing situation of the image data for each slide glass G.

As described above, in the image acquisition system 1, the image dataacquired by the image acquisition unit 24 is associated with thecassette identification information. Thus, by associating the image datain units of cassettes, the slide glass G linked to the cassette 41becomes clear. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the storage work orthe re-preparation work of the slide glass G, as compared with a case inwhich the image data of the slide glass G is managed in units of jobs.Further, in the image acquisition system 1, the imaging unit 91 imagesthe bar code B or the two-dimensional code D exposed from the notchportion 68 of the cassette mounting unit 21 in the reading position M2.Accordingly, it is also possible to achieve simplification of a deviceconfiguration necessary for reading of the bar code B or thetwo-dimensional code D.

Further, in the embodiment, the cassette mounting unit 21 includes therotation drum 61 including the bottom plate 62, the top plate 63, andthe cassette holding plate 64 that is radially disposed between thebottom plate 62 and the top plate 63 and forms the holding space S ofthe cassette 41 in a circumferential direction. The exposure portionthat exposes the bar code B or the two-dimensional code D is configuredby the notch portion 68 provided in the top plate 63 according to aposition in the holding space S. With such a configuration, the bar codeB or the two-dimensional code D exposed from the notch portion 68 of therotation drum 61 can be imaged by the imaging unit 91 without anincrease in a size of the rotation drum 61.

Further, in the embodiment, the image acquisition system furtherincludes the slide glass detection unit 33 that detects the holdingposition or the holding state of the slide glass G in the cassette 41mounted in the cassette mounting unit 21. The reading position M2 of theidentification code reading unit 32 and the detection position of theslide glass detection unit 33 are the same positions. Therefore, controlof sending of the cassette 41 mounted in the cassette mounting unit 21can be simplified.

Further, in the embodiment, the image acquisition system includes theidentification card C to which the bar code B or the two-dimensionalcode D has been imparted, and the placement unit 49 to which theidentification card C is detachably attached is provided in the cassette41. By storing the slide glass G and the identification card

C of which the image acquisition has ended together through introductionof the identification card C, it is possible to further simplify storagework or re-preparation work for the slide glass G. Further, by replacingthe identification card C, the same bar code B can be simply imparted toa different cassette 41. Accordingly, convenience when image acquisitionof the slide glass G held in another cassette 41 is executed with thesame scanning conditions or the like can be improved. By replacing theslide glass G in the cassette 41 instead of replacing the identificationcard C, it is also possible to repeatedly execute image acquisition ofanother slide glass G with the same scanning condition or the like.

Further, since at least one of the bar code B and the two-dimensionalcode is used as the identification code, it is possible to performmanagement of the cassette identification information further easily.The identification code imparted to the identification card C may beonly the bar code B, may be only the two-dimensional code D, or may beboth the bar code B and the two-dimensional code D. The identificationcode imparted to the identification card C is not limited to the barcode or the two-dimensional code, and any code may be used.

Further, in the embodiment, the control computer 12 associates thescanning conditions when the image acquisition unit 24 acquires theimage data of the sample with the cassette identification information.Accordingly, when rescanning of the slide glass G is performed, it ispossible to simply call past scanning conditions. Therefore, it ispossible to perform resetting of the scanning conditions while referringto the past scanning conditions.

Further, in the embodiment, the data server 14 constitutes a storageunit that stores the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit24, and the operation computer 13 constitutes a browsing unit that readsand displays the image data stored in the data server 14. The controlcomputer 12 associates the browsing history information indicating thebrowsing history via the operation computer 13 with the cassetteidentification information. Accordingly, it is possible to suitablyprevent omission of browsing of the image data stored in the data server14. Further, the user can browse the image data efficiently.

Further, in the embodiment, the control computer 12 associates theacquisition source identification information for identifying anacquisition source of a sample with the cassette identificationinformation. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably prevent samplemisunderstanding from occurring. Further, in the embodiment, the controlcomputer 12 associates the management information indicating theexecution order of image acquisition for each cassette 41 with thecassette identification information. Accordingly, scan executionmanagement of the slide glasses G using the common image acquisitionunit 24 can be performed among the plurality of operation computers 13.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1: Image acquisition system-   13: Operation computer (browsing unit)-   14: Data server (storage unit)-   21: Cassette mounting unit-   24: Image acquisition unit-   32: Identification code reading unit (reading unit)-   33: Slide glass detection unit-   41: Cassette-   49: Placement unit (attachment unit)-   61: Rotation drum-   62: Bottom plate-   63: Top plate-   64: Cassette holding plate-   68: Notch portion (exposure portion)-   91: Imaging unit-   B: Bar code (identification code)-   C: identification card-   D: two-dimensional code (identification code)-   G: Slide glass-   M2: Reading position-   S: Holding space

1. A system comprising: a cassette mounting unit configured to bedetachably mounted with a cassette holding in a plurality of stages in apredetermined arrangement direction and having an identification codeimparted thereto; a reader configured to read the identification codefrom the cassette sent to a reading position by the cassette mountingunit; an image acquisition unit configured to acquire image data of thesample held on the slide glass in the cassette; and a controllerconfigured to associate the image data acquired by the image acquisitionunit with cassette identification information included in theidentification code read by the reader, wherein the cassette mountingunit includes an exposure portion configured to expose theidentification code imparted to the cassette, and the reader includes animaging unit configured to image the identification code exposed fromthe exposure portion in the reading position.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes a rotation drumincluding a bottom plate, a top plate, and a cassette holding plate thatis radially disposed between the bottom plate and the top plate andforms a holding space of the cassette in a circumferential direction,and the exposure portion is configured by a notch portion provided inthe top plate according to a position in the holding space.
 3. The imagesystem according to claim 1, further comprising: a slide glass detectorconfigured to detect at least one of a holding position and a holdingstate of the slide glass in the cassette mounted in the cassettemounting unit, wherein the reading position of the reader and adetection position of the slide glass detector are the same positions.4. The system according to claim 1, comprising an identification card towhich the identification code has been imparted, wherein an attachmentconfigured to have the identification card detachably attached theretois provided in the cassette.
 5. The system according to, wherein theidentification code is at least one of a bar code and a two-dimensionalcode.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controllerassociates scanning conditions when the image acquisition unit acquiresthe image data of the sample with the cassette identificationinformation.
 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: astorage configured to store the image data acquired by the imageacquisition unit; and a browser configured to read and to display theimage data stored in the storage, wherein the controller associatesbrowsing history information indicating a browsing history via thebrowser with the cassette identification information.
 8. The imagesystem according to claim 1, wherein the controller associatesacquisition source identification information for identifying anacquisition source of the sample with the cassette identificationinformation.
 9. The image system according to claim 1, wherein thecontroller associates management information indicating an executionorder of image acquisition for each cassette with the cassetteidentification information.
 10. A method comprising: mounting a cassettein a cassette mounting unit, the cassette holding the slide glasses in aplurality of stages in a predetermined arrangement direction and havingan identification code imparted thereto; reading the identification codefrom the cassette sent to a reading position by the cassette mountingunit; acquiring image data of the sample held on the slide glass in thecassette; and associating the image data with cassette identificationinformation included in the identification code, wherein the cassettemounting unit includes an exposure portion configured to expose theidentification code imparted to the cassette, and the reading includesimaging the identification code exposed from the exposure portion in thereading position.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein theassociating includes associating scanning conditions when the image dataof the sample has been acquired with the cassette identificationinformation.
 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:storing the image data; and browsing the image data, wherein theassociating includes associating browsing history information indicatinga browsing history with the cassette identification information.
 13. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the associating includesassociating acquisition source identification information foridentifying an acquisition source of the sample with the cassetteidentification information.
 14. The method according to claim 10,wherein the associating includes associating management informationindicating an execution order of image acquisition for each cassettewith the cassette identification information.
 15. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein at least one of a bar code and a two-dimensionalcode is used as the identification code.